— Wait, he said.

Hold on a sec, he said, sounding a bit breathless. I stepped out for a moment at the station, and when I got back my bag was gone. I looked out the window and saw some bloke walking off with it. I gave chase, but he vanished before I could catch him.

Why didnt you just hop back on the train and sort it out later? I asked, trying not to sound too inquisitive.

Because while I was hunting him, my train pulled away without me

It was me, Ethel, trudging home after a long shift at the little flower shop on the high street in central London. The place was always buzzing with customers, especially now that the festive season was upon us.

The weather was downright bittersnowflakes fluttered down all day, and I was bundled up in my thick puffer jacket, cheeks pink from the chill. I hadnt even managed a proper sitdown break all day; all I could think about was getting home, curling up, and finally drifting off to sleep.

Lost in thoughts of warm blankets, I didnt see the stranger strolling up the pavement until he was right in front of me. I stopped and gave him a quick glance.

He was a man in his early forties, dressed a bit oddly for the weather. I sidestepped, trying to give him space.

Excuse me, could you help me? he blurted out suddenly.

I froze, a little startled.

I, he shook his head, closing his eyes for a heartbeat. I was on my way to my daughters wedding, traveling by train, and then this happened

He paused, his gaze dropping sadly onto me. I tried to move past him again.

Wait, he began again, I stepped out at the station for a moment, and when I came back my bag was missing. I saw someone else walking away with it, chased after him, but hed already disappeared.

And why didnt you just go back to the carriage and deal with it then? I asked, a hint of irritation slipping in.

You see, while I was looking for that thief, my train left without me

Shouldnt you have gone to the ticket office or something? I was already feeling my patience wear thin.

I ran around everywhere. They told me to wait. The next service isnt due for a few hours. I didnt want to stay in the waiting room. Besides, everything I neededclothes, documents, moneywas in that bag. I just want a shower and a bit of warmth Ill return everything, I promise. He looked at me pleadingly.

Right, and what about the keys to your flat? Can I keep those for you? I snapped, a little flustered.

Everyones turned their backs on me. Lord, why wont anyone believe me? He lifted his head, his eyes pleading with the sky. Something in his desperation made me feel a pang of sympathy.

I gave him a quick onceover. He was dressed rather sloppily, but his story seemed sincere enough.

Fine. Come over to my flat; youll get shivery otherwise. Ill sort out your clothes.

Thank you. Youre very kind. No one else has even listened to me, he said, following me.

We reached my tiny flat in a council block. I flopped onto a small stool in the hallway, exhausted and ready to crash.

Head to the bathroom, I said, nodding toward the narrow corridor. Ill look for something you can wear. Whats your name, by the way?

Michael, he replied, disappearing behind the bathroom door.

Soon the sound of running water echoed through the hallway. I let out a sighmy brief moment of rest was already over.

My brother lives out in Manchester, but Ive got a few spare items here, I muttered to myself, trying not to think about my dwindling finances. It wont cost you a penny.

I gathered a few shirts and a jacket, then knocked on the bathroom door. When the water finally quieted, I told Michael Id set his clothes on the little table by the hallway.

I heated up some soup in the microwave, poured it into a bowl, and plonked down on a chair, letting my mind wander. If my mum popped round now, shed probably jump to the wrong conclusionsthinking I was feeding a stranger while hes taking a bath.

Hope Mums caught up with someone at the shop or with a friend, I whispered to myself, hoping fate would give me a bit of cover.

Just then the front door clicked.

Ethel, are you home? my mother shouted from the hallway. I peeked out from the kitchen. I thought that was you in the bathroom. Who else could be in there? she squinted, trying to make sense of the situation.

Mum, dont shout. The guy missed his train. Hell get sorted and leave, I tried to keep my tone gentle.

Did you make his wedding suit? What happened? she pressed, worry lining her voice.

I told her he missed his train. His stuff vanished.

Mum, really? Youve taken a stranger into the house? You dont even know him! She started to panic. I got home early; maybe we should call someone?

Dont worry, Mum. Hes been everywhere already. Waiting for a train isnt fun, but hell clean up and be on his way, I replied, keeping my voice low.

The bathroom was silent now. The door opened and shut.

Did you take his clothes? my mum guessed, settling herself on the floor near the entrance, eyes fixed on the doorway.

Soon after, Michael emerged, a little sheepish, looking apologetic. He clearly heard our little exchange.

So, tell me, what could possibly happen to a strong, healthy fellow like you? my mum probed, staring straight into his eyes.

Sorry for intruding. I was heading to my daughters wedding in Manchester, and now Ive lost my phone, my documents, and my cash, he gestured helplessly.

And how did you end up at our place? Were not near a station! she asked.

Please, just let him have something to eat. Im not asking for a full interrogation, I snapped, slightly irked. Sit down, Michael, Ive warmed up some soup for you.

Back in the day I used to rescue stray cats and puppies on the streets, and now Im bringing men home Michael muttered, moving aside to make room at the table.

Eat up, Michael. But be carefulif you win my mums favour, you might never leave, I said with a hint of sarcasm.

You spend all day at work, no personal life. Youre almost thirty, time to settle down. How can I not worry about you not being settled? my mum teased.

Mum, cut it out. Michael might think were actually getting him married, I joked.

Dont worry, I reassured Michael.

Honestly, enough, Mum waved her hand and headed to the bedroom.

Your mums something else, Michael commented, setting his plate down.

She raised my brother and me on her own. She just fears Ill end up alone with a kid, like her, I explained.

So, where do you work? he asked.

At a flower shop on High Street. How am I supposed to buy a ticket without a passport or money? I fretted.

They promised to help. Can I have a phone? I need to call my daughter and tell her I wont make it to the wedding. And maybe a friend

Give me a minute, I said, heading to the back room.

Mum, at that moment, rummaged through a jewellery box, pulling out a gold ring and some trinkets.

Quiet now, she hissed. If he I dont know who he is, Ill take this to Aunt May. She slipped out into the corridor.

I didnt try to stop hershed have her own way.

I placed a phone on the table for Michael and moved to the window. He dialed his daughter, and from his expression I could tell she was upset that her dad wouldnt be at her wedding.

He then called someone else, asking for my address.

Soon the driver will be here for me. I really didnt need to travel at all. My wife didnt want to introduce me to her new husband, so my daughter invited me. I wasted my time, Michael sighed, looking dejected.

Who are you, if a drivers coming for you? I asked, genuinely curious.

He was starting to grow on me. In his brothers clothes he looked decent, even if a bit small for his age.

We run a tiny techrepair business with a mate. He convinced me not to drive, saying I dont know Manchester well enough and a wedding isnt the time for road trips.

The train was fine, but a plane wouldve been better. Hang on a few more hours and Ill be on my way, he pleaded, half to himself, half to me.

I watched Michael and thought Mum was rightimagine coming home after a tiring shift to find a stranger waiting, kids at the door, life finally feeling like it has a purpose. Im nearly thirty, still living with Mum, with no clear prospects ahead.

I remembered Leon, the bloke I once fell for. That thing had gone sidewayshe showed up with my friend, and I lost both my fiancé and my friend.

Youre kind. Everything will turn out alright, Michael said suddenly, cutting off my thoughts.

And you? Why are you alone? Youve got a business, everything.

Oh, right. I went to the wedding alone. Im single now; the marriage fell apart. Your caution is admirable. Men are the same these days. Youre exhausted after work, and Ive taken away your chance to rest. Sorry about that.

We chatted for a while longer. Outside, dusk settled in as Michaels phone buzzed.

Its Sasha, probably arriving, he said, taking my phone.

Now hell leave, and Ill be stuck in the same dull routine again, I thought.

Alright, the cars down the road. Thank you so much, Michael placed the phone on the table and stood up.

Ive written my number down, just in case you need anything. Ill return your clothes, no doubt. Please tell your mum Im not some shady type, he said, his eyes softening. I almost burst into tears.

A random stranger, and I didnt even want him to go. Who am I, and who is he? I smiled.

Dont get into situations like this again.

Nope. From now on Ill only travel by car or plane. No more trains, Michael chuckled.

I watched him disappear into the night, slipping out of the building, waving from his cars window.

Is that it, then? my mum asked from the doorway when she came back.

So youre mad you let him in, now youre wondering why I let him go, I replied, trying not to show how upset I was.

Hes a good bloke, you can see it.

And why did you hide the jewellery?

Because Im foolish, Mum sighed.

Three weeks later, just before New Years, Michael seemed to haunt my thoughts.

On the 31st of December, the shop owner apologized profusely, promising to help out personally because the holiday rush had been brutal.

I looked out the shop window and, to my surprise, spotted a reallife Father Christmas right outside, shouting merrily at passersby, handing out sweets, and heading straight for the store.

The doors swung open and there he wasin a bright red coat, a fluffy white beard, and a massive sack slung over his shoulder. He chatted with the owner, his voice oddly familiar to me.

Finally, Father Christmas turned to me.

I knew you worked here, thought Id pop by and lift your spirits. Did it work? he asked, eyes twinkling.

It did, I laughed.

The owners taking the night off, so Im heading home with you and the man in the red coat. Enjoy your night, Ethel.

I didnt need any more convincing.

A month later I quit the flower shop and moved to Birmingham to be closer to Michael.

Mum was thrilled.

Shes settled now, finally can breathe. And maybe kids will follow. Who else could help but Grandmum?

We all joke that bad luck is called fate, while good luck is just a lucky break. In truth, they usually walk hand in hand.

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